Interviewing Tips
How To Ace Your Interview
If you're nervous about going to interviews, don't worry, you're not the only one. Interviewers actually expect a certain amount of nervousness. So here are some things to concentrate on, to take your mind off your nervousness, to help you give a better interview, and to convince the employer that you are the perfect person for the job.
- Find out about the company before the interview by asking your Link representative, and/or looking on their Web site. Showing that you've taken the time to learn about their company shows you really are interested and industrious.
- Dress the part. You don't have to wear a 3-piece suit to an interview for an industrial job, but your clothes should be clean and matched. Tuck in your shirt. Make sure you've washed your hair and cleaned your hands. Take a look in the mirror--would you hire you?
- Take care of your hygiene, including body scent, breath and teeth. Don't smoke before an interview. Don't chew gum or mints during an interview.
- Turn off your cell phone!
- Get to the interview 10-15 minutes early, so that you can complete any necessary paperwork. Take a copy of your resume to give to the interviewer.
- Be confident. Make eye contact. Smile. Pay attention to the interviewer. Be enthusiastic and glad that you are there.
- Listen carefully to the interviewer, and answer the questions that they ask. For example, if the interviewer asks why you are leaving your current position, don't tell them about what type of job you are looking for. Answer the question that was asked.
- Limit your responses to 1-2 minutes. Don't keep going on and on.
Memorize answers to a few common questions:
- Tell me about yourself.
This is not an invitation to share personal information about yourself. Instead, talk about your job skills and strengths.
- What are your strengths?
Pick three things that make you really good at your job, and think of on-the-job examples of those things. For instance, if you are good with details, be prepared to talk about a time when you completed a project where you had to keep track of lots of details.
- What are your weaknesses?
Pick one thing that has made it difficult for you to do your job in the past. Be prepared to give an example of how you have overcome that weakness.
- Why did you leave your last job?
(or "Why are you leaving your current job?") Never say bad things about an employer. Instead, focus on what you want to do in the future. "I'd like to be able to work as part of a large team, and my current company has only five people in production."
- Why do you want to work here?
Mention positive achievements that you learned about from the company's website. Do not talk about benefits or salary.
- What qualifications do you have that make you suited for the position?
Answer this just like you would the strengths question.
- What did you like best about your last job?
Make certain that your answer is focused on your job, not the company. Talk about something that you did.
- What did you like least about your last job?
Be careful answering this question. You don't want to say anything bad about the company or supervisors. Instead, use your answer for the reason that you are seeking a new job.
At the end, most interviewers will ask if you have any questions. Instead of asking a question, you need to let the interviewer know that you want the job. "I don't have any questions right now, but I want to let you know that I really do want this job."
Stay calm. No matter what happens, you need to stay cool and collected. Take deep breaths and think before you talk.
